How to Make a Moscow Mule Mocktail

Moscow Mules are one of those special cocktails perfect for any occasion and any time of day. It could be 10 a.m. in the dead of winter and we’d be just as happy to sip on these drinks as if it were 8 p.m. in the middle of May. But, unless you have a liver of steel—or are a 21-year-old college student—drinking booze at all hours may not be as fun as it sounds. So, we had to ask: Can you make a Moscow Mule without the booze? And, if so, how will it taste?

Fortunately for hardcore Moscow Mule fans and teetotalers alike, there is a way, and it’s pretty good, too.

If you want an authentic experience, you’ll want to buy some of those classic Moscow Mule copper cups. They can be a bit pricey, but you can find some good deals online at Amazon and even eBay, as well as specialty kitchen stores. This isn’t just for aesthetic value either; Moscow Mules really do taste better in copper mugs.

Next, you’re going to need ginger beer. Despite its name, ginger beer isn’t alcoholic and it can’t be substituted for ginger ale. Ginger ale is far sweeter and doesn’t have quite the ginger kick of ginger beer. Some great ginger beer options are Cock ‘n’ Bull, the original paired with Moscow Mules, or Fever Tree.

If you have them, you can use shot glasses to measure portion sizes easily. But if you aren’t a drinker, not to worry. You can also use standard measuring cups.

Now that you’ve got your basics covered, you can start getting creative. Below, we’ve compiled three different non-alcoholic Moscow Mule alternatives that are almost as good as the real thing.

Ingredients:
Ginger Beer
Dash of sugar syrup
Splash of concentrated apple juice
Fresh mint
Fresh crushed ice
Place fresh mint in a glass with a dash of sugar syrup. Smash it with a mixing spoon. Place the crushed ice and pour over the ginger beer. Add a splash of apple juice and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.